Barker: OK Wags, remember what I taught you, eyes on the horizon and let your legs do the work
Wags: OK, so I just stand on top of these logs then..
Barker: Wags you’ve got to move your legs up and down to get used to rolling logs when you get on the water
Wags: But we’re not going anywhere, it’s actually quite nice up here

Barker and Wags believe it’s important to eat a healthy diet, take regular exercise and have fun.

Dogs can spend up to 20 hours a day lying around and sleeping. That’s not because they are inherently lazy, it’s just evolution and the new role of the domesticated pet. For a dog’s all-round good health, it’s important during this down time that their body completely relaxes and they are able to get good quality sleep.

The choice of dog bed is important for your dog’s overall well-being and care should be taken to choose an appropriate pet dog bed for your best friend taking into consideration your dog’s size, age and breed (some breeds are more likely to suffer from arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia as they get older).

There are many types of dog beds on the market and every size, shape and colour is catered for. Often purchases are made simply on whether the colour will go with the carpet or on how easy it is to clean (most are machine washable nowadays). Some materials are harder wearing and if you have a dog that likes to chew on things you might do well to think about a tough nylon covering.

If your dog is a large breed, elderly or suffers from any joint pain or degenerative joint disease (DJD) like arthritis or hip dysplasia they will need the best support possible for a good night’s sleep. Fortunately there are new materials available to provide orthopaedic and anatomic support for your dog while they rest.

Memory Foam is a unique material that is used in the design and manufacture of Barker and Wags luxury dog beds. It has many properties which make it an ideal material for a good night’s rest.

Memory Foam reacts to heat and weight and will mould to your dog’s body shape for exactly the right support. When they change position, the memory foam will react and re-mould itself accordingly, giving continued orthopaedic and anatomic support no matter how often your dog shifts position.

Memory Foam has been a revolutionary invention and is used throughout the NHS and by professional and amateur athletes alike as it provides a quicker recovery time after injuries and a better rest after exhausting training and playing. Your dog can now benefit from the same invention leading to speedier recovery times from injury and better rest and recuperation.

Barker and Wags Pet Dog Beds have been designed specifically for dogs suffering from or likely to suffer from any form of joint pain including arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia. They are constructed from memory foam technology and come in a range of sizes and colours. They have machine washable outer covers and a waterproof inner lining for ultimate protection.

Barker and Wags Pet Dog Beds are suitable for all dogs and especially those likely to or already experiencing any form of joint pain. Check out our range of Pet Dog Beds to find the right one for your dog.

Barker: Now remember Wags this isn’t a sprint, you’ve got to conserve your energy
Wags: So I can take it easy then, blend into the countryside, perhaps take a nap?
Barker: Think of it as a game of chess, you don’t want to make your move too early, but can’t leave it too late
Wags: I fall asleep when we play chess…
Barker: Another way to think of it Wags, is do you remember where we buried that bone the other day?
Wags: I do, I do…it was right over by those trees.
Barker: Well the first one to get to the bone can eat it!

Dogs are wonderful characters that try to enjoy life to the full. In fact they are so full of life that it is actually quite difficult to tell the true extent of a problem they may have. They still treat us with love and affection and it may be difficult to tell if they are suffering.

Unfortunately, due to breeding, processed food diets and the new role of the domesticated pet, many more dogs are suffering from joint pain, arthritis and dysplasia. This may be from illness, injury, congenital disease or simply old age and large pedigree breeds are the most susceptible.

Given a dog’s high pain threshold it may be difficult to identify the extent of an injury or illness without resorting to an x-ray, however there are a number of signs that an owner can look for including:

Mobility issue e.g. not willing to climb stairs, falling behind on walks, not wanting to play

General lethargy

Limping

Difficulty getting up from a lying down position

Reluctance to allow petting

The most frequent mobility issue suffered by dogs is referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD) also known as osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) which is where the structure of a joint is worn down by illness, injury or general wear and tear to the extent where a dog’s natural rejuvenation and repair is insufficient to get back to normal function.

As in humans cartilage is the principal shock absorber in a dog’s joints and mobility issues arise when this is worn away and not replaced by the dog’s body. Cartilage is necessary in joints to cushion and prevent bones from rubbing against each other. The main constituent of cartilage is glucosamine which is a naturally occurring amino sugar found in the body of living animals. It is concentrated most in the cartilage and is believed to provide the building blocks to synthesize new cartilage development.

A young healthy dog will produce enough glucosamine and other essential vitamins and minerals to repair and replace old and damaged cartilage. In a dog suffering from DJD, the dog is unable to make enough of the substance itself and can benefit from receiving a supplement containing glucosamine.

Glucosamine and chondroitin have been successfully used to treat DJD in humans and dogs for several decades. In an ageing dog or one suffering from dysplasia the body’s natural replacement process is impaired and naturally occurring glucosamine is more difficult to extract. So the additional glucosamine and chondroitin is absorbed into a dog’s body to repair and rebuild cartilage and other tissue. Supplementing glucosamine in ageing dogs can significantly prolong an active life by halting the degeneration of old cartilage and promoting new cartilage growth.

A glucosamine supplement can take different forms such as tablets, pellets / powder and liquid options. The dosage strength can also vary and should be administered dependent on the condition of the dog. Often other active ingredients form part of the supplement and consideration should be given to the overall benefits a particular supplement may offer.

Glucosamine supplement products are often referred to as neutraceuticals as they imply health and medical benefits. They can often produce significant results within 2-4 weeks of taking them. There appear to be no recorded side effects for these supplements and they are widely recommended by veterinarians throughout the world.

Barker and Wags LeapDOG Natural Joint Nutrition is a neutraceutical maintenance supplement specifically for dogs suffering from or likely to suffer from any form of joint pain including DJD, arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia. The formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Vitamin C alongside other active ingredients, vitamins and minerals in an easily digestible oat-based pellet form that is quickly absorbed into a dog’s body. LeapDOG can be given to all dogs for a healthy more active life. Results are often seen within 3 weeks from taking the supplement.

Barker and Wags LeapDOG Natural Joint Nutrition is available in 300g re-sealable pouches. Try Barker and Wags dog food supplement and if you are not satisfied get your money back.

Wags: Did you need the loo before we do this?
Barker: Pay attention Wags; I’m showing you how to Set yourself at the start of a race
Wags: Oh, is that what you’re doing, you look like you’re about to..
Barker: Concentrate Wags, we stand a good chance in the 50m dash and it’s all about your start